Sunshine Coast Council has set aside $300,000 to investigate a potential community facility that could be a “welcoming and vibrant” space in the Maroochydore city centre.
The funding, included in the region’s 2025-26 budget, will be utilised to explore options for the venue’s design, location and services.
The project is in its infancy but a council spokesperson outlined the ambitions and said the initiative was unrelated to a grand proposal to build an arena for 2032.
“(The funding is to) investigate options for a community facility within the Maroochydore city centre,” they said.
“This work is separate from the proposed exhibition and convention facility.
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“This investigation will look at how best to plan and deliver a facility that meets and helps shape the city centre as a welcoming and vibrant place.
“It aligns with council’s strategies and planning documents, including the Environment and Liveability Strategy, which highlights the need for improved community, cultural and library infrastructure in Maroochydore.”
The city centre is rapidly emerging as a hub for business, retail, dining, technology and accommodation.
It includes the city hall, residential hubs Corso Collection and Market Lane, commercial hubs A1 Maroochydore and Foundation Place, Holiday Inn, a multi-storey parking block, the outdoor space The MET and a submarine data cable landing station.
The Maroochy Private Hospital, commercial building 50 First Avenue and residential development SOL are under construction, while the NEXTDC SC2 Data Centre is on the way.
The spokesperson said there could be much more to come.
“The Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area Development Scheme identifies community uses such as a library, community venue, parklands, outdoor amphitheatre, exhibition and convention facility and a multi-modal transit interchange as key elements in establishing the city centre as the civic and cultural heart of the Sunshine Coast,” they said.
Sunshine Coast News asked the council whether locals would be consulted on the planned facility.
“Further community engagement activities have not yet been determined,” the council spokesperson said.
The city centre is being developed by Sunshine Coast Council, SunCentral and Walker.
